Grinder power tool. Grinder power tool

If you are serious about metal fabrication, DIY or even upcycling, you probably either own or have considered buying an angle grinder.

What is an angle grinder?

An angle grinder is a handheld power tool that can be used for a variety of metal fabrication jobs that include cutting, grinding, deburring, finishing and polishing. The most common types of angle grinder tools are powered by electricity; either corded or battery powered.

Which abrasives discs you select to use with your angle grinder depends entirely on your specific application and the material you are working with. Read on for more on this.

Why buy an angle grinder?

Versatile and easy to use

It’s the most versatile tool in the box and should be a staple of any shed or workshop but we aren’t just saying that because they work perfectly with many of our abrasives!

An angle grinder tool with the right disc can replace numerous tools and make the most tedious, labour intensive jobs quicker and easier.

Better yet, they are easy to control and any novice with the correct safety precautions can pick up an angle grinder and start working. This makes them perfect for DIY projects.

What is most common angle grinder size?

Angle grinder tools come in many different sizes, the most common size sold in the UK is 115mm. This sized model is light, precise and generally very easy-to-use; making it a great choice for the beginner and professional alike.

A wide choice of angle grinder models and brands available

Unlike a lot of specialist tools and abrasives, you can walk into any nearby hardware store in the world and find an angle grinder for sale.

There are huge number of different models and brands to choose from, at varying price points.

Your budget, your level of usage, and your experience should be the key influences over which angle grinder you purchase. Don’t go spending over the odds on a high-end model that’s only going to be used twice a year.

Which angle grinder disc do I need?

So you’ve purchased your angle grinder, now which discs do you need? In the first instance you need to determine the type of material you are working with – metal or masonry?

Then, what are you doing to the material, is it cutting, grinding, stripping, finishing, or all of them?

Angle grinder discs for cutting metal

These products can be very broadly categorised as either for cutting or grinding.

Cutting metal: Cutting Discs

Metal cutting discs are designed to cut through metallic items as quickly as possible.

The type of disc you choose will depend heavily on the hardness, thickness, and the metal itself.

For example, an entirely different disc would be required when cutting aluminium vs. cast iron as our application table shows.

Some of the more premium, sharper grained cutting discs also offer a higher level of comfort by reducing the amount of pressure required to cut through the metal.

Thinner cutting discs such as the Ultra-Thin range of 1.0mm and 1.3mm are ideal for metal pipes, thin gauge metals and tubular workpieces.

Logically therefore, a thicker heavy-duty disc is used for more robust pieces of metal where more stability is required.

Our top tier cutting discs are found in the Norton Quantum3 range.

With a self-sharpening ceramic grain, Norton Quantum3 discs are fast, effective, and comfortable to use; performing time after time.

Grinding metal: Grinding Wheels and Flap Discs

Whether you are preparing carbon steel for painting or finishing a weld seam. grinding wheels and flap discs are essential accessories for the angle grinder.

Selecting the right grinding wheel can be quite complicated and will depend heavily on the desired surface finish you require from your metallic workpiece.

A highly polished, decorative finish on stainless steel for example requires more steps and usually a higher degree of technique than simply roughing the surface of carbon steel to improve paint adhesion.

Why not read our definitive guide on choosing grinding wheels for more information?

Stripping metal: Stripping Discs

For stripping heavy coatings (such as paint or rust) from metal or wood, you will need to choose a coarse grit fibre disc, flap disc or Norton Rapid Strip disc.

Depending on the condition and amount of coating to be removed from metal, you could opt for a coarse abrasive.

Starting with a coarse grit will allow you to strip the coating quickly and minimise loading of the disc, however it may impart deep scratches on the surface.

For rust removal, use a 60 or 80 grit flap wheel or Rapid strip disc.

Rapid Strip discs are particularly suited to removing rust and de-burring metal without damaging the workpiece itself.

Angle grinder discs for cutting concrete and masonry

Generally, a diamond blade would be the best choice for cutting concrete and masonry.

Unlike the cutting and grinding wheels for metal, a diamond blade is predominantly metallic product itself.

Its basic general structure is a steel centre with outer segments containing synthetic diamond fragments that give the blade abrasive qualities.

These diamond segments are ideal for cutting concrete, bricks, and building materials, and natural stone.

Once you’ve picked the right disc for your project, you just need to make sure you find the right size and speed for your specific angle grinder.

Why not try the Invincible Diamond Blade from Norton Clipper?

Product is subject to availability

Setting the correct speed

Angle grinder discs have a maximum safe RPM that they should be operated at, which prevents them from breaking apart while in use and potentially causing an injury.

Make sure that your right angle grinder tool does not exceed the recommended RPM for the product you are using, bearing in mind that most right angle grinders run at a fixed speed of around 11,000 RPM.

Personal Protection Equipment

Once you’ve chosen the right angle grinder discs for your project, you need to prepare your work station.

Whatever you’re working on, you’ll be generating dust, flying debris and possibly even sparks.

To keep yourself safe, make sure you wear work gloves, a dust mask, safety glasses and a full face shield.

It’s also a recommended that your work somewhere that is properly ventilated, and always use the safety guard during operation to protect yourself.

In the extremely rare event of wheel breakage, the guard is designed to project all disc debris away from the operator, so always ensure no-one is in the potential path of debris if the worst would happen.

For the safest operation, we’d recommend that your angle grinder features a ‘dead man switch’ too.

This means you’ve got to keep the switch in the on position while in use, so if you were to let go of the grinder, it would switch off, reducing the risk of injuries.

Check the expiry date

Cutting discs and grinding wheels for the angle grinder have an expiry date which you need to pay attention to.

To find this, simply check the inner metal ring on the disc and look for a date stamped there.

Getting started

So now you have chosen the correct angle grinder discs for your specific application, safely set up your work station and taken all necessary safety precautions, below are some tips for how to work on each material.

How do you cut metal with your angle grinder?

When it comes to cutting metal, a right angle grinder saves a lot of time and effort versus using a standard hacksaw.

Ensure that you clamp the workpiece securely in a vice and select a suitable metal cutting disc.

Make sure each side of the cut is supported, so there is no possibility for it to move and ‘pinch’ the disc as you are cutting, potentially causing wheel breakage.

Hold the grinder tool straight and use light pressure to cut through the metal, let the cutting disc do to work, do not try to force it through the workpiece.

Move the disc backwards and forwards along the cut, take care not to twist the grinder as this will cause the disc to warp and bend.

Too much pressure will also result in the cutting disc wearing prematurely, which means you’ll be replacing worn out discs more often than you want to!

Cutting ceramic tiles, concrete and stone with an angle grinder

An angle grinder can be used to replace a larger tile saw to cut ceramic tiles, concrete paving stones, and many other types of stone.

For this type of work, you would need either a cutting disc that specifies use with masonry or (more commonly) a diamond blade.

Diamond blades often cost a bit more but will last significantly longer and cut faster.

Another handy use for the right angle grinder is cutting ceramic tiles.

For this application you will need to use a continuous rim diamond blade that is designed to cut through hard tile and leave a smooth cut.

An ordinary segmented diamond blade would be unsuitable for this kind of work as it would almost certainly cause a a rough, chipped edge.

When cutting paving stones, stone and tile, make sure the workpiece is secured before cutting.

Using light to medium pressure, move the grinder in a back and forth motion through the cut.

This helps remove dust from the cut and allows the wheel to cut faster. It is important not to twist the grinder when in use as this can cause the disc to warp and with some lower quality blades, the segments themselves to break off.

For more information about how Norton can help you make the most of your right angle grinder, download our Right Angle Grinder Solutions Brochure.

Alternatively, please get in touch via our webform.

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Grinder power tool

An angle grinder, also known as a side grinder or disc grinder, is a handheld power tool used for grinding, abrasive cutting and polishing. This type of hand-held power tool does not have a cutting blade but a grinding wheel. You can sand and polish different surfaces to sharpen tools and grind materials with it.

Top Angle Grinder Uses?

Angle grinders spin at magnificent speeds, so with the correct cutting disc fitted, it can be used for cutting through different types of materials, such as metal, bricks, aluminum, steel, wood, stone and concrete. They can also be used for making plunge cuts in tiles if you need to remove a section.

Grinding Discs are used for grinding down metal or stone to shape it or smooth down a freshly made cut. They will also smooth out fresh welds as well as remove grout and mortar, providing a fast material removal in many situations. Depressed center grinding wheels will handle tough right-angle grinding applications. Deburring is essential after cutting metal, as the angle grinder will often leave behind jagged edges.

Angle grinders can also be used for polishing metal thanks to their high RPM. The main tool for doing so is a flap disc or wire wheel. They provide Rapid cleaning action on many materials. These versatile grinder attachments will clean, polish and deburr all-in-one. Whilst grinding discs are great, and often an essential after cutting through metal, they may cause some scratches to be left on your workpiece. This is where your flap disc will come in. Wire brushes are also great at removing stubborn paint from a variety of surfaces.

Features

The angle grinder is small and convenient enough to be held by hand.

After installing the blade,the sharp blade can easily cut materials such as wood and metal.

After installing the grinding disc, it is easy to make the rough cutting smooth.

The exhaust vent on the machine facilitates heat dissipation, which allows the machine to work longer.

Fun Facts About Angle Grinder Size

A Do you know the size of angle grinder is not determined by the length of the tool itself but by the size of the disc? The most commonly-used grinder disc size is with a diameter of 12.5 cm, which is suitable for cutting wood or metal with a maximum thickness of 2-3 cm. But it is not recommended to use it for cutting stones or concrete. The 18cm discs can be used for small pieces of wood, thin metal and aluminum, which are 4-5cm thick. The 23 cm discs can cut larger pieces of any material that is 7-8cm thick. Normally, smaller discs can spin way faster and leave a clear cut.

Taken with Canon EOS M6 Mark II

Angle Grinder Dicks

Ordinary Abrasive Consolidated Abrasives are abrasives that are consolidated into a certain shape by a bonding agent and have a certain strength. Generally composed of abrasive, bonding agent and pores, these three parts are often referred to as the three elements of a consolidated abrasive.

According to the different abrasives used, it can be divided into ordinary abrasive consolidated abrasives and super-hard abrasive consolidated abrasives. The former is made of ordinary abrasives such as corundum and silicon carbide, and the latter is made of super-hard abrasives such as diamond and cubic boron nitride.

For grinding concrete and metal use grinding disk.

Try a diamond tuckpointing wheel to remove mortar.

For cutting metal sheets, pipe, tile, masonry, and wire use a cutting disk.

To remove rust and paint use brushing wheels.

Ceramic or white aluminum oxide disks are available for cutting and grinding harder steels such as stainless steel.

Diamond coated disks can be used for cutting brick, stone, concrete, slate and roof tiles.

These are a relatively new innovation and similar to disks used for cutting masonry. The edge of the disk is coated with diamond particles. These have three major advantages over traditional bonded abrasive disks:

• The disk is steel and much less likely to shatter.
• No use-by date issues unlike bonded abrasive disks.
• Cutting doesn’t produce sparks.

Thinner disks are used for cutting metal sheeting such as roof cladding. These cut quicker with less friction so there’s less damage to protective coating/paint on sheets. However, they also wear away somewhat quicker.

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Centro de Formación en Soldadura

Tips

When attaching your disc, check the specification. The max RPM on the disc should meet or exceed the max RPM of the angle grinder you plan to use. If the rated speed of the disc is lower than your grinder, chances are that the wheel would fly apart.

Unlike drill motors that run at about 700 to 1,200 rpm, grinders spin at a breakneck speed of 10,000 to 11,000 rpm. They’re fast enough to be scary! As angle grinders can quickly remove lots of material, sparks are created too. Put on safety gear like goggles, long sleeves, and full-face protection. You can lower the risk as much as possible by positioning the tool properly. Your chances of getting injured can be reduced if you ensure that sparks and debris fly away from your body. What’s more, the lifespan of your work clothes will be longer!

It is not a good idea to stop the disc before you’re completely done because the disc can stick in the material. Let the part you’re cutting fall on the ground and stop the tool then. The part will be hot so let it cool down for a few minutes before touching it.

This can overload the power tool. Instead, angle the grinder so that sparks are thrown in a different direction from you, and allow the tool to develop maximum speed and press it gently onto the material you’re cutting. Keep the disc on 90 degrees all the time and avoid twisting it because it can bend or break.

This may come as strange to you, but did you know that discs have an expiration date too? This is because moisture and rust can damage the disc.

Hit the power button to turn it on. Whether you’re cutting, grinding, or sanding, allow it to come up to speed to help you keep your actions smooth and consistent. For instance, if you’re cutting through metal or other materials, you’ll get a better cut if the cutting disc is at full speed first.

For sanding, apply the tool at a 5°-10° angle to the work surface.[13] For grinding, try a 15°-30° angle; make sure you’re using the flat part of the wheel when using this attachment.

The guard may get in the way on some projects, but don’t take it off. It provides some protection from flying debris if the wheel or attachment shatters. It’s much better for the guard to take the hit then your torso or arms!

If the wheel is still spinning, it can move around on the surface you set it on. Apply the braking system of DEKO angle grinders and you don’t need to wait for it to come to a full stop.

Magical Grinders; The Best Angle Grinders in 2023

Using Angle Grinders to Cut Metal is one the most convenient ways of metal fabrication as angle grinders are a metalworker’s right hand; You can tackle a wide range of metalworking operations with the right angle grinder equipment and accessories while staying safe on the job. An angle grinder is a versatile tool that may be used to work with a number of materials and applications.

Can You Use Angle Grinder to Cut Metal?

“Can you use an angleAngle Grinders to Cut Metal?” is a question that pops up frequently on the appropriate message boards. What’s the quick and easy answer? Absolutely! Indeed, among the many hand-held equipment available, the angle grinder appears to be the most flexible of metalworking power tools. That’s why it’s no surprise that this specific item is utilized by a variety of crafts, including those in the automotive sector, HVAC, plumbing, and a variety of others.

Grinders are often used for refurbishing and polishing metal materials, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that you can use them on stainless steel surfaces if you have the correct disc.

You shouldn’t, however, go into the process without taking any safeguards. That’s why, throughout the post, we’ve included a few safety guidelines to assist you learn how to use angle grinder to cut metal in the most efficient and effective way possible.

How to Use an Angle Grinder to Cut Metal

Now that we’ve established the notion of using an Angle Grinders to Cut Metal, let’s examine what the optimum way of operating an angle grinder to cut metal. We must point out that the method is not always the same because different angle grinder models work in different ways. Even yet, the safety measures you must follow while cutting metal or steel are very similar.

What is the maximum thickness of steel when operating an angle grinder to cut metal?

It truly relies on the angle grinder’s cutting capacity as well as the size and type of disc you’re using. Apart from that, the thickness of the material you’ll be cutting is a determinant in determining the steel’s possible cutting depth.

Not only that, but cutting discs come in a variety of thicknesses, so you’ll need to pick the proper one.

But let’s pretend you’re using a 4-1/2-inch grinder with a flat diamond cutoff blade to cut stainless or mild steel, as most people do. A 1mm or 1.6mm iron-free disc should be used to cut the stainless steel.

When cutting thin metal materials like sheet metal, a 1.0mm or 0.8mm cutting disc is recommended. Due to the reduced blade thickness that results in less heat transmission, any of these discs will provide a cleaner appearing cut and minimize any potential discoloration.

When cutting or buffing metal or aluminum with an angle grinder, using a type saw lubrication will extend the disc’s life and prevent the risk of chipping.

If you’re going to chop thicker, heavier steel like rebar or structural steel like angle iron, you’ll need a cutting disc with a thickness of 1.6mm or 2.5mm. Using a bigger blade, such as a 2.5mm cutting disc, to cut through dense steel has certain disadvantages.

Due to the slower blade speed of the bigger disc-equipped, the completed cut of your steel workpiece may show evidence of discoloration. What is the reason behind this? Because of the increase in friction, essentially.

You could always use another power tool to cut metal, depending on how thick the material is and how clean of a cut you want.

While accuracy and elegance are required when cutting thick, dense steel, a metal cutting circular saw or a metal chop saw are two of the most common suspects. Break out the trusty grinder if all you want to do is make short cuts when accuracy and overall aesthetics are secondary concerns. Simply use the suggested CDs whenever possible.

The Best Angle Grinder for Metal Work

If you’re looking for a high-quality, easy-to-useAngle Grinders to Cut Metal with, here we present you some of the best tools in the market today.

Bosch 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder

The Bosch 4-1/2-inch angle grinder has a powerful 6.0amp motor that produces 11,000 no load rpm for professional cutting and grinding. Its Efficient motor has a very tiny field diameter, allowing the operator to grind or cut with minimal effort. This item is lightweight, with a small size and shape that makes it suitable for metal craftsmen. Vehicle fabricators, plumbers, and other professions who utilize grinders on a regular basis, such as home builders, are among those who employ them.

Ronix 3212 Angle Grinder, 2350W, 230mm

Having a strong an Angle Grinders to Cut Metal and other difficult materials is a huge benefit for a professional metal worker who conducts a lot of grinding and metal fabrication operations. The Ronix 3212 Angle Grinder is a powerful power tool that can tackle a wide range of industrial and heavy-duty tasks. You can confidently operate this angle grinder to cut metal any time.

Makita 9557PBX1 4-1/2″ Cut-Off/Angle Grinder

Makita’s angle grinder is a high-quality tool for metalworkers. A powerful 7.5 AMP motor provides high output power in a smaller, lighter tool. You may carry this device anyplace and cut metal with ease by using both hands to control it.

The ‘tool-less wheel guard adjustment allows effortless clamping, and it also offers a grinder with an AC/DC switch for use with various power sources, which is a nice feature of this Makita angle grinder.

Safety Tips When Operating an Angle Grinder to Cut Metal

When you use Angle Grinders to Cut Metal or grind it, small chips or shards of metal fly all over the place. They can also be fiery and abrasive. Follow these guidelines to avoid eye injuries, wounds, burns, and other problems when cutting metal: Read and follow all safety warnings on metal-cutting discs and blades. Protect your eyes and ears with safety glasses, a face shield, and hearing protection. Wear gloves, a long-sleeve shirt, and slacks to protect any exposed skin.

Let newly cut metal cool completely before handling it.

When working with metal that may have sharp edges, use gloves.

Before cutting metal, secure it with a clamp. If you’re use angle grinder to cut metal, don’t let anyone close you unless they’re wearing hearing and eye protection.

Suggested disc types.

You can use angle grinder to cut metal and all types of it, including bolts, angle iron, rebar, and even sheet metal, when it’s equipped with an abrasive metal-cutting disc. However, as you use the discs, they wear down fast, cut slowly, and reduce in diameter. Instead, we recommend utilizing a diamond blade with a ferrous metal cutting rating. These will last far longer than abrasive discs, cut quicker and cleaner, and wear down much slower.

The Disc Type	Application	Consideration
Metal cutting disc / cut off disc	Most metals can be cut. It can’t be used to grind anything. Present at a 90-degree angle to the workpiece	Aluminium Oxide is used to make the cutting edge
Grinding disc	Metals, both ferrous and non-ferrous, are ground. Present at a 45-degree angle to the workpiece.	Aluminium Oxide is used to make the cutting edge.
Multi-cut cutting disc	Metals, both ferrous and non-ferrous, are cut through (including stainless steel). For more sophisticated cutting needs, it will also cut through brick, stone, contemporary composites, and tiles.
Stainless steel cutting disc	Steel and stainless steel are cut through. It’s especially handy for cross-sections with tiny cross-sections.
All cut diamond blade	Cast iron, various ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and most building materials are all cuttable.	Cutting edge with diamond grains attached to it.
Abrasive grit mop disc	Metal grinding in general, especially for edge grinding jobs like deburring, sharpening, and surface finishing.	Grinding flaps in a fan-shaped radial pattern.
Slitting disc / thin cutting disc	Pipes and profiles with thin walls are cut. This tool creates a fine cut line. Use on ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as stainless steel.	Thin cutting discs produce less heat during operation, cause less tool vibration, finish cuts faster, and waste less metal in each cut, saving up to 2 mm each cut.

FAQ1. What tools do I need to cut metal with an angle grinder?the necessary tools when it comes to metal cutting with angle grinder are: angle grinder, metal disc, c-clamp, power outlet/source, earmuff and the metal material you plan to use.

What’s the difference between a cut-off tool and an angle grinder?A cut off tool is used to cut surfaces, as its name implies. The angle grinder, on the other hand, is a more flexible tool that can be used for a variety of activities such as sharpening and grinding.

Is it possible to cut steel with an angle grinder?Yes, if you have the appropriate disc. However, due to the steel’s hardness, they will wear out more quickly.

Is it possible to useAngle Grinders to Cut Metal. even a thick steel piece? Yes, it surely can. At the end of the day, cutting metal with an angle grinder may be very effective and incredibly safe if you have the proper equipment and safety gear.If you’ve never used a grinder before, you won’t need much practice to learn the skill of slicing and dicing materials properly. That is, as long as you use the suitable cutting disc with this powerful hand-held equipment.Because an angle grinder is designed to cut through stronger metals, as well as bricks and concrete, you won’t have to worry about its durability. In time, a decent grinder will become a need rather than a luxury.While the ordinary DIYer is unlikely to be hacking at dense steel on a regular basis, a good grinder is the one equipment you’ll want in the back of your truck or tool shop if you need to make Rapid cuts in metal.Finally, when using a grinder, make sure you are in complete control of the equipment and that you are wearing the proper protective safety eyewear. All that’s left to do now is select the appropriate cutting disc and material, and begin cutting metal with ease.

The Best Angle Grinders, According to 27,500 Customer Reviews

Welcome to the Thomas guide to the best angle grinders 2023. Thomas has been connecting North American industrial buyers and suppliers for more than 120 years. When you purchase products through our independent recommendations, we may earn an affiliate commission.

An angle grinder is one of the more versatile power tools in a toolbox. They are excellent for cutting metal, steel, or other hard materials. They can also be used to sharpen metal tools or cut construction materials, though sharpening blades with an angle grinder takes practice and professional knowledge. Some professionals even use them to sand a wood carving or remove corrosion from tools.

Good grinders can easily cut through most types of metal. They have a strong and oftentimes cushioned handle as well as easily accessible buttons to change speeds and turn on and off. Users should always use safety goggles during the grinding process as a safety precaution, especially when using one of these tools to cut metal.

Here is a list of the best angle grinders, followed by a buying guide to help you select the best angle grinder.

Thomas’ Top Picks for the Best Angle Grinders 2023

Review our list below to find the best angle grinder for your needs from pneumatic, cordless or corded models.

Best Pneumatic Angle Grinders: Ingersoll Rand 5102MAX Air Die Grinder | Buy Now

Best Compact Angle Grinders: Bosch Angle Grinder | Buy Now

Best Angle Grinders for DIY Projects: Avid Power Angle Grinder | Buy Now

Scroll down to read more about these top picks for the best angle grinder, according to many happy buyers.

listed in this article were as shown in US on amazon.com (USA) as of May 2023

Best Angle Grinder with Diamond Blade—DeWALT Angle Grinder

With a powerful 11-amp motor, this DeWALT 4.5-inch angle grinder boasts a lot of power. The blade can be used for dry or wet cutting while its DeWALT dust ejection system stops dust and debris from getting into the tool. It also features a paddle switch design, spindle lock button, tool-free wheel removal, and spiral bevel gear.

“This DeWALT angle grinder tool has a kick like a mule because it is that powerful,” wrote a customer. “It’s got torque like few other hand tools I’ve experienced. The revolutions on this thing are so fast it actually feels lighter when activated.”

Disc size: 4.5 inch

Dust catcher: Yes

Motor power: 11-amp motor

Best Cordless Angle Grinder—DeWALT Cordless Angle Grinder

When looking through cordless angle grinders to buy, long battery life is usually top on the list of musts, which is why this DeWALT angle grinder with its brushless motor topped our list for the best cordless model. The kit includes the grinder, a Rapid charger, and a 60V battery. The variable speed works depending on how much pressure is placed on the power button, with light pressure for low speed and hard pressure to reach the maximum speed.

“Without question, this tool is a beast,” raved one reviewer. “It never bogged down under the most intense use and was light enough to make using it a pleasure. The power on this 60-volt model is exceptional—particularly considering it is battery powered.”

Wheel diameter: 4.5-inch angle grinder

Dust catcher: No

Motor: Battery-powered brushless motor (13-amp motor equivalent)

Best Corded Angle Grinder—BLACKDECKER Small Angle Grinder

There are many different ranges of power tools available for professionals and homeowners alike, so even those on a budget can find an affordable angle grinder for their needs—this BLACKDECKER power tool is a prime example. For under US30, shoppers can get this small angle grinder that has three different handle positions for a more firm grip for different projects.

It can be used with type 27 or 29 flap discs and comes with both a metal grinding wheel and a wheel guard. “Will cut through about anything,” described one shopper. “I use it on a regular basis when modifying my Jeep Cherokee, and when a large branch fell on my house, I grabbed it to cut through some limbs.”

Disc size: 4.5-inch angle grinder disc

Dust catcher: No

Motor: Power output at 120V

Best Pneumatic Angle Grinder—Ingersoll Rand Angle Grinder

Matching the power of a gas grinder, this pneumatic angle grinder from Ingersoll Rand is one of the more versatile tools buyers can add to their toolboxes. It can be used to polish, grind, sand, or hone a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, cast iron, or steel. Customers did note, however, that the guard for the blade does not come with the kit, and the different size holders and mandrels are sold separately.

“Build quality is exceptional—and I am a mechanical engineer who designs stuff like this for a living,” explained one shopper. “Very good ergonomics. The button to lock out the spindle for tool changes is much, much handier than I was expecting it to be. No more fumbling with two wrenches.”

Disc size: Most discs that are compatible with a ¼-inch shank size or 6mm collet

Dust catcher: No

Motor: 20,000 rpm

Best Powerful Angle Grinder—Makita Angle Grinder

Cordless tools with a powerful brushless motor, like this Makita angle grinder, offer the freedom and flexibility of working in tight spaces. The small diameter barrel grip on this versatile tool makes it easy to steady this machine even with the strong power output it gives. One customer felt that they would have preferred a trigger-style power switch but the overall consensus from the majority of customers was that this angle grinder is easy to use and a top product.

“I used it to cut out two 20-inch circles from 10 gauge expanded metal as grates in my burn barrels,” explained one customer. “Again, no problem whatsoever. Wore out one cut wheel and ¼ of the next.”

Disc size: 4.5-inch flap disc

Dust catcher: No

Motor: Brushless motor that works with 3 or 4 amp motor batteries

Best Grinder Kit—WORKPRO 20V Angle Grinder Kit

As a complete angle grinding kit for anyone starting out, this WORKPRO cordless power tool set includes five metal cutting wheels, five grinding wheels (including a cutoff wheel and a grinding wheel protector), the battery, charger, and wrench. Other features include an electronic brake and an ergonomic three-position handle.

“No problem cutting through ¼-inch angle iron,” described one consumer. “Really like the three positions for the handle. I mainly bought it to grind, buff, and use with a wire wheel, but was pleasantly surprised at how well the battery did when it came to actually cutting.”

Disc Size: 4.5-inch angle grinder

Dust catcher: No

Motor: Brushless motor

Best Angle Grinder with Spindle Lock—DeWALT Paddle-Switch Angle Grinder

Using an angle grinder equipped with a spindle lock like the one found on this corded DeWALT grinder is a good safety feature when grinding for long periods. What’s more, the convenient paddle switch locks on for heavy-duty jobs. This tool doesn’t come with grinding wheels, and it does not have an electronic brake.

One customer who is a truck mechanic wrote, “I have put many quality grinders in their final resting place. [For] most of them, you could tell on day one what to expect. This one will be with me at home for the rest of my years. I fed this thing a hot supper for eight hours straight upon receipt.”

Disc size: 4.5-inch angle grinder

Dust catcher: No

Motor: 11 amp motor

Best Compact Angle Grinder—Bosch Angle Grinder

To cut metal in hard-to-reach places, small angle grinders like this four-pound Bosch angle grinder are excellent. Aside from the tool, buyers will receive a tool-less disc change, a flange kit, a spanner wrench, and a grinding wheel.

The size makes it deserving of a spot in tool bags, but be aware that the case can get hot with extended use. Buyers can also purchase this model with a dust ejection system for smooth operation. “Sweet grinder,” expressed one shopper. “Bigger amps than similarly-sized grinders. Fits the hand well.”

Disc size: 4.5 inches

Dust catcher: No

Motor: 8.5 amp motor

Best Variable Speed Angle Grinder—Makita Angle Grinder

The five variable speeds on this Makita angle grinder make it one of the more versatile grinders available. It can cut anything from granite to metal with different grinding wheels. The only caveat is that this grinder gets very hot when cutting thicker materials, so gloves should be used to protect the hands.

It comes with a three-year warranty. One reviewer expressed, “Drilled a three-inch hole in concrete as well as cut some four-inch cast with a diamond blade. Variable speed is worth every penny.”

Disc size: 5 inches

Dust catcher: No

Motor: 13 amp motor

Best Angle Grinder for DIY Projects—Avid Power Angle Grinder

DIYers will like the features of this Avid Power angle grinder for projects around the home. The blade guard protects users against flying debris, while the two-position handle allows for more control when working on specific materials.

Some buyers didn’t find the instructions to install the shield piece easy to read, but this component should easily move at a 360° angle if installed correctly. “This is just what I needed,” wrote one shopper. “Plenty of power for just about anything I do around the house and DIY projects.”

Disc Size: 4.5 inches

Dust catcher: No

Motor: 7.5 amp motor

The Best Angle Grinders—Summary

For a complete cordless angle grinder kit that includes everything needed to grind, cut or polish, the WORKPRO angle grinder (US84.99, Amazon) is a top choice. The versatility that the five variable speeds bring to many projects is also an excellent option with the corded and powerful Makita grinder (US181.26, Amazon).

Choosing the Best Angle Grinders—Buying Guide

Read on below to learn more about the different angle grinders and their best uses.

Types of Angle Grinders

There are four main types of angle grinders available, each with its own strengths, limitations, and type of power source. Most angle grinders can either be cordless, corded, gas-powered, or pneumatic.

Cordless Angle Grinders

Cordless power tools do not have the distance limitations of a power cord and allow operators the freedom of using them wherever they want, even outdoors. With battery technology improving every year, some cordless models are on-par, power-wise, with electric models. The only limitation of battery-powered grinders is if users don’t have a backup battery, then cordless grinders will generally only have a little over 45 minutes of run time.

Corded or Electric Angle Grinders

Corded models are one of the more popular types of angle grinders purchased for their power and unlimited power duration. A corded grinder is restrained by its cord, but for bigger jobs, a corded model doesn’t require batteries or the high maintenance needed for a pneumatic or gas power source angle grinder.

Pneumatic Angle Grinders

Pneumatic grinders work by using air pressure from an air compressor. When it comes to power levels, these would come just after gas-powered angle grinders and can be very expensive to own and operate, considering that air compressors have to be changed often because the refills are quite small and don’t hold that much air. One perk to a pneumatic version is that is tends to run longer than a cordless tool and is more powerful than a corded model.

Gas-Powered Angle Grinders

Like most gas-powered tools, gas angle grinders are the most powerful angle grinders available on the market. They are more expensive than other types of grinders and are also heavier. Additionally, gas-powered versions require a lot of maintenance and are not a top choice for smaller jobs.

We hope our review of the best angle grinders has been helpful, whether you were after something for heavy-duty projects or a model with the best safety features.

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